For the next chapter, things are finally gonna be revealed. For starters the name of Finn's old master and Willy... well I shouldn't go into too much otherwise I'll reveal major spoilers. Anyhoo, enjoy reading this next chapter!

Chapter 17

An Opportunity to be Strong

NO POV

The next morning Elfman woke up with the sun shining and the birds chirping. He sleepily sat up, rubbed his eyes, stretched, and looked around the bed. Lisanna was next to him sleeping peacefully, but he found that his other sister Mira wasn't there.

"What the...? Mira? Where is she?" he wondered.

Just then, Lisanna slowly opened her eyes and she woke up as well. She let out a cute yawn and rubbed her eyes rubbing the sleepiness out of them.

"Morning Elfman..." she mumbled sleepily.

"Lisanna. Where's Mira?" asked Elfman.

"She should be in the bed with us shouldn't she?" she mumbled.

"No. She's not here," said Elfman.

"What?"

Lisanna now wide awake looked around in the bed looking for Mira, but she didn't see her either. Then she happened to look on the floor. Her eyes went wide and she let out a squeak of surprise. Her face even took a slight shade of pink.

"Lisanna, what's the matter?" asked Elfman.

"L-look," squeaked Lisanna pointing to the floor.

Elfman looked over the side of the bed and onto the floor and he gasped in surprise seeing why Lisanna was blushing. There lying on the floor was Mira with Willy fast asleep. She was hugging him from behind and holding him close like Willy was like a big teddy bear.

"Oh my..." breathed Elfman.

Then Mira began to wake up. She slowly opened her eyes and looked up at Elfman and Lisanna who couldn't take their eyes off of her and Willy.

"Morning Lisanna... Morning Elfman..." she mumbled. "What's up?"

"Um... sis... you tell us," said Elfman who tried to look away but he failed. Lisanna, on the other hand, had a big grin on her face.

"Hey Mira if you wanted to sleep with Willy, you could have said something you know," she smirked.

Mira blinked in confusion. Then she noticed that she was hugging Willy. A few seconds passed, then she screamed in embarrassment. She let go of Willy and scooted back until she bumped into the wall blushing up to her ears. Then Finn came bursting into the room.

"Hey! Is everything OK? I heard someone scream!" he said looking very concerned.

"Nothing much. Willy and Mira just slept together," said Lisanna cheekily. "They were getting all cute and cuddly and everything."

"What?! No! It's not like that!" cried Mira. "Since Willy was sleeping on the floor while we were sleeping on the bed, I figured Willy was cold so I just did what I would do to Lisanna and Elfman and I kept him warm!"

"Oh I see," said Finn. "I...guess makes sense."

"You see Lisanna? Mira was just keeping Willy warm. That's all," said Elfman.

"I guess so. But it still... you looked so adorable holding him like that!" said Lisanna. "You two looked just like a cute couple."

"What the heck are you talking about Lisanna?! We're not a couple!" said a flustered Mira who was now even redder than before.

"Now, now Lisanna. Enough teasing," said Finn calmly. "I think you've heard one too many of Sieri's love stories."

"Hey... What's going on...? Why is everyone being so noisy?"

Everyone looked towards the source of the voice to find that now Willy was awake his eyes sleepily opening.

"Don't you know that it's rude to wake up someone when they're sleeping?" he mumbled.

"Oops... sorry Willy. Didn't mean to wake you up," said Finn. "How'd you sleep?"

"I slept fine..." said Willy rubbing his eyes. "It was very warm and comfy." He looked at Mira who was still flushed from embarrassment. "Thank you very much, Mira. Thanks to you I slept great."

"Oh... sure. Anytime," said Mira hesitantly looking away.

"Is something wrong Mira?" asked Willy. "You're red in the face."

"N-nothing! I'm fine! Don't worry! I'm...just feeling hungry! Yeah! Just feeling hungry."

"OK then. If you say so," said Willy raising a brow in confusion.

"Well then now that you're all up, I'll get breakfast ready," said Finn. "You kids wash up and get dressed."

"Yes!" said Willy as he got up and went to the bathroom to wash-up. Leaving the Strauss sibling alone in Willy's room. Mira let out a sigh of relief glad that Willy hadn't noticed her hugging him while she slept with him. Then he looked at Elfman and Lisanna. Elfman had a face looking like he was demanding an explanation as to what just happened while Lisanna had a look that said 'Hehehe. You sly vixen.'

"I'm... gonna go get dressed," said Mira as she left the room. "And neither of you two will not breathe a word of this to anyone. Especially you Lisanna. I don't want you going and telling Sieri. Got it?"

"Don't worry we won't," said Lisanna smiling. "Right Elfman?"

"Um... yeah. Of course! We won't tell a soul Big Sis," said Elfman. "Strauss' honor!"

"Good," said Mira as she left the room.

As Mira left the room, Lisanna sniggered to herself as she had her fingers crossed behind her back.

"Wait till Sieri find out about this," she thought to herself smiling mischievously.

WILLY'S POV

I was brushing my teeth and washing my face getting ready to start the day. As I did so, I thought about Mira's recent behavior.

"I wonder why she was acting so weird," I thought. "You can't get red from being hungry can you?"

Then I suddenly remembered. It was regarding what Mira and Finn were talking about the other day.

"That's right... Mira has to make money for herself, Lisanna and Elfman to get by. But... since she doesn't know magic she can only take the smaller jobs and I guess she won't be able to make a lot of jewel from the jobs. I wish there's a way I can help her."

I thought and I thought of different ways to help Mira and her siblings, but then Lisanna and Elfman came in. I decided not to say anything to them so I wouldn't make them worry. I walked into the kitchen and I saw Finn busily preparing breakfast.

"Hey, Finn? Can I talk to you?"

"Oh hold on Willy," said Finn as he carefully checked and cooked the food. "I just gotta make sure..." He checked on the food to make sure that it wouldn't burn and then he turned to me. "Now then, what's up Willy?"

"I have a question Finn," I said. "You know what a guild is right?"

"Yes."

"So... how does one get into a guild?" I asked.

"I think it should be pretty simple," said Finn. "All you have to do is talk to the person in charge of that guild and they should let you in, but sometimes they test you to see if you're strong enough to join the guild."

"I see..."

"Seems simple enough," I thought. "All I have to do is talk to the person in charge and I'm in? Then again I might be tested."

"So why do you ask Willy? You planning on joining up with a guild?" asked Finn.

"Um... well... no reason," I said instinctively.

"Hmmm," hummed Finn as he stared at me looking like he was searching inside me to see if I was telling the truth. Then he went back to the stove to check on the food then he spoke.

"Let me take a wild guess. You want to sign up for a guild because you wanna help Mira raise jewel for herself and her siblings am I right?"

I stared at Finn's back surprised that he hit the hammer on the head.

"How... how did you..."

"When we bumped into each other in the hallway yesterday," said Finn. "The moment when I saw you and saw your reaction it was kinda obvious. Also, you overheard me and Mira talking the other day weren't you?"

"I'm sorry," I said immediately apologizing. "I didn't mean to overhear you two. I was just coming down the hall when I heard you guys talking and..."

"Whoa. Easy there Willy," said Finn turning around. "I'm not mad or anything. Besides, it's only natural to be worried. Although you shouldn't have eavesdropped."

"I'm sorry," I said again. "I didn't mean too."

"I know," said Finn. "Just try not to do that again in the near future."

"I won't."

"Now then, let me ask you a question Willy," said Finn. "You say you want to sign up for a guild to make some jewel right?"

"Yes."

"I won't stop you if that's what you want, but you should know that I'm afraid that Osia doesn't have a guild. However, there is a job board that people can go in the middle of town. You can get some good pay depending on the job you take over there, but there are even some jobs that very few people come back from. I remember a man who went out on a job that was supposed to last 5 years. He came back, but he was battered and broken. So much so that he never took a job again. Do you still want to go for it even with the risk of dying?"

I gulped nervously upon hearing that, but I said bravely. "I don't care. I wanna help them. If... it means I have to jump into some scary jobs to get jewel then I'll gladly do it. I'll just have to get stronger that's all. Mira, Lisanna, and Elfman are my friends and I can't just sit by while they need help. Besides, I promised her. I promised Mira that I'd help her and her family any way I could and I'm not gonna go back on that promise if there's a way to help her."

Finn turned around and looked at me surprised at my response and I stared at him with determination. There was a long pause. Then Finn smiled.

"Hehe. Good answer Willy. That's just what I'd thought you'd say," said Finn. "But... even if you do take jobs, how do you intend to get stronger if you plan on getting the bigger jobs?"

"Um... uh..."

I didn't really think about that. It wasn't like I can ask Aquadia to train me again. I didn't even know where she is. Then Finn chuckled.

"I figured so. Don't worry, I think I may know someone that'll be able to help you with that problem."

"Really?! Who?"

"Well, I can't say at the moment. It's a bit of a secret."

Before I could ask what that secret was, Lisanna came into the kitchen.

"Hey you guys, is breakfast gonna be ready soon?" she asked.

"Yes. It won't be much longer Lisanna," said Finn. "Until then make sure you and your siblings are washed up and ready to head home OK?"

"OK!"

And with that Lisanna left. Then Finn whispered to me so that no one else would hear.

"We'll talk about this after breakfast OK? And make sure that none of the Strauss siblings know about it too."

"Um... OK." I said slightly doubtful.

I had no idea what Finn had in mind but little did I know I was gonna be in for a big surprise.

After we all ate breakfast, it was time for the Strauss siblings to head home. At first, they wanted to stay with me a little longer, but Mira had to go back to explain what had happened to the person who assigned her the job and she had to drop off Elfman and Lisanna over at Sieri's so they can be watched over.

"You want me to go with you and explain what happened Mira?" asked Finn.

"No. It's OK," said Mira. "I'll just explain what happened. I may not get the jewel, but it's OK. I'll just take some side jobs. At least it'll be a little easier."

"Don't push yourself too hard Mira," I said. "I don't want you to get hurt again OK?"

Mira looked at me and gave me a small smile. "Don't worry Willy. I will. All right Lisanna. Elfman. Let's go."

"All right," they both said.

"See you later Willy!" said Elfman.

"Let's do this again sometime!" said Lisanna.

"Bye!" I called.

And I waved until they disappeared into town. Then Finn stretched letting out a satisfied grunt, then he turned to me.

"All right Willy," he said. "Let's get down to business. First off, you want someone to help you get stronger right?"

"Yes. I am. If it's not too much trouble," I said.

"OK then. I can take you to the person to train you no problem. However, you might have to pass a trial to see where you stand. Are you willing to go through it?"

"Yes. I am. All I have to do is pass the trial right? Then it should be fine."

Finn smiled. "Very well. In that case, come with me."

We both set off walking through and heading towards the edge. Soon we came to a fork in the path. One path led to the lands beyond on the right and the other led to the forest on the left.

"It's over this way," said Finn pointing down the left path. "Make sure you stay close to me OK?"

I nodded as we both walked down the path on the left heading towards the forest. We walked through the forest carefully making our way past trees. Soon we came to the stream.

"This way Willy," said Finn. "We have to follow this stream to get to our destination."

"OK."

We walked along the stream which led us deeper and deeper into the forest. Eventually, we came to a clearing and the stream led to a tremendous lake. It was the largest lake I've ever seen. It was even bigger than the one back at the clinic. Then I saw it. There in the middle of the lake was a building. It looked a little old, majestic, and one of those buildings that looked like something you see from a fairy tale. One thing was for sure, I've never seen anything like it.

"Whoa... what is that place?" I asked.

"You'll see," said Finn. "For now, try to keep up with me."

"Keep up with you?" I pondered. "What do you mean by that?"

My answer came sooner than I expected. For suddenly, a magic circle appeared on Finn's back and a pair of wings made out of water sprung forth. My eyes went wide in shock and surprise.

"Finn?! You can use magic?!" I gasped.

"Come on Willy," said Finn as he spread his wings and took off flying towards the building.

"Wait...! How am I supposed to..."

"Come on Willy. You can swim can't you?" called Finn. "Hurry up or I'll leave you behind!"

Having so many questions and not wanting to left behind and having pretty much no other means of following him, I dove into the water clothes and all. Even with my clothes on, I could still swim pretty fast. Finn right above a few feet ahead on me while I swam beneath. Soon we came to the building. Finn touched down on the floor dispersing his wings and I popped my head out of the water. Finn reached out as I took his hand and he pulled me up. I was dripping with water from head to toe.

"Hold on Willy," said Finn. "Let me dry you off."

He held out his hand and another blue magic circle appeared. Then I felt something strange on my clothes. I looked and water was seeping out from them. As the water seeped out I could feel them getting drier. The water was even getting off my skin. Soon I was dry and all the water that had been removed from me had collected on Finn's hand in a big water ball. Finn threw the ball and landed in the water with a splash.

"There we go. You're all dry now," said Finn.

"Whoa... Finn! I didn't know you could do that!" I said awed by what I saw. "You can use water magic just like me!"

Finn chuckled. "I sure can. Sorry if I kept it hidden."

"So... what is this place?" I asked. "It looks like some kind of palace."

"It's nothing special really," said Finn. "This is just a place where I go to train and develop my magic abilities and this is where a good friend of mine lives."

He opened the big doors and went inside with me following behind him. Inside there was a great big pool of water in the middle of the floor. Finn walked along the edge and called out.

"Hey, Master! I'm back! And I brought Willy along with me!"

There was a long silence. Then I saw something move about in the water. I walked along the edge standing next to Finn to get a better look at the water. There was nothing there. Then something slowly rose up from out of the water and an old woman rose out of the water sitting in a meditating position with her eyes closed. Upon seeing her, I realized that she wasn't just an ordinary woman.

"Wait a minute. That's the old woman who helped me the other day," I said. "Is she..."

"That's right," said Finn. "Willy. Allow me to introduce my mentor, one of the greatest water mages this world has ever seen... Master Tu Chi."

As if she was waiting for Finn to introduce her, Tu Chi eyes opened and she stood up from her meditating state and stood on top of the water like it was the ground and walked towards us. She raised her hands and summoned a big blue magic circle. Then the water rippled around her and small strings of water started to come out above the water and they came towards her. She slowly swirled her hands around as the gently pooled up and collected in her hands as it formed a ball of water. She held it above her hands and then sent it into the air. When the ball of water was high enough, she raised her hand and clenched into a fist. The ball of water burst and mist like rainfall came down and a staff came falling. Tu Chi caught it and she came walking towards us. I couldn't believe my eyes from what I had just witnessed. I've never seen someone command the water like this. It was incredible.

"What did you think Finn?" asked Tu Chi.

"Beautiful and awe-inspiring as always master," said Finn.

She then looked at me and I couldn't help but feel a little shy.

"Ah. It's you again Willy," she said. "It's good to see you again."

"H-hello Miss Tu Chi ma'am," I said. "Wait... how do you know my name? This is only the second time we've met."

"Let's say a little birdie told me," said Tu Chi. "Now come, why don't we have some tea?"

She led us to a separate room with the table and she poured a cup of tea. In the corner of the room, I was greeted by another familiar face. It was the green bird creature from before sitting in the corner of the room on a perch sleeping.

"Hey... Isn't that..."

Then the bird creature woke up. The moment it saw me, it cawed and flew towards me. It circled around me a couple of times and then it landed on my shoulder.

"Willy. You've met my companion Jade have you? She's my trusted companion as well as my faithful friend."

"Yes. I have ma'am," I said as I petted Jade on her head. "So Jade's your name huh? It's nice to meet you.

Jade cawed and she cooed as Tu Chi I petted her.

"Well this is a shocker," chuckled Finn. "I've never usually seen Jade this happy to see someone."

"She's quite smitten with him isn't she?" smiled Tu Chi. "After all, he was the one that helped her back when she was being picked on by those other birds earlier."

I looked at Tu Chi in surprise. "How did you know that?" I asked.

"Jade told me of course," said Tu Chi. "She told me how kind you were by helping to get some berries for her even though you were starving to death."

"Really? She told you that? But... birds can't talk. Can they?" I asked turning to Finn.

"It's just one of those things Willy," said Finn. "Master here can tell what Jade is saying just by one chirp. I've been curious about it myself, but that's the only explanation Master would give me."

"I see."

Tu Chi then got a tray with a tea kettle and three cups. "Would any of you two like some tea?" she asked. "It's freshly made."

She poured the tea in each of the cups and gave one to Finn and the other to me. They both took their tea and sipped it happily. I sipped a little tea to see how it tasted. My eyes widened a little.

"This tea tastes... a little bitter," I thought. "but...it's good at the same time."

I sipped the tea some more trying to get used to the taste. The more I sipped the more I got used to it.

"So Willy how do you like the tea?" asked Finn. "It's not too bitter is it?"

"Well... kinda, but don't worry. I like it. I just need to get used to it."

"Now then Willy," said Tu Chi. "I believe I know why you are here."

"You do?"

"Yes. You are looking for a way to make some jewel, so you can help the Strauss siblings with their debt. So you are wanting to get stronger so you can take on some of the bigger jobs to make some jewel right?"

"That's... exactly right," I said. "Do you use your magic to read minds?"

"No. Not really. I'm just using my common sense is all," said Tu Chi. "I also know that you're searching for a mentor of sorts which is why Finn brought you to me."

Tu Chi paused impressively before speaking again.

"Very well. I will train you."

"Really? You will?" I asked.

"Yes. However, I must warn you, Willy. My training might be very difficult for you," Tu Chi said sternly. "This will be training, unlike anything you have done before. Be prepared to work hard. Is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am!" I said. "Thank you, ma'am! Please take good care of me, ma'am!"

"There's no need to call me ma'am," chuckled Tu Chi. "You may call me Master or my usual name."

"Yes Ma'... I mean Yes Master Tu Chi," I said quickly correcting myself.

"Good response," said Tu Chi. "Finn. Do you mind if Willy trains alongside you?"

"Not at all master," said Finn. "In fact, it'll be a lot more fun training with another person."

"All right then," said Tu Chi smiling. She got up and grabbed her staff with Tu Chi landing on her shoulder. "Then let's get started then shall we?"

"Wait... we're starting right now?" I asked.

"Of course," said Tu Chi. "As they say we must strike while the iron's hot. Besides, I have to see where you stand so I'll know what to work with you."

She went to the closet in the room and got out some clothes and handed them to me.

"Put this on," she said. "Those will be your training clothes for now on. Wear them well. I want you both ready and outside in a few minutes. Don't be late now."

And with that, Tu Chi left leaving me and Finn alone. At this point, two kinds of feelings were going through my mind right now. In was feeling excited because I was gonna start training right away and I was gonna be sparring with Finn, but at the same time I was feeling nervous because I was afraid I wouldn't do very well and how sudden this all was. I never expected to start this soon. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Finn smiling down at me.

"You feeling nervous?" he asked.

"Just... a little bit," I said.

"I wouldn't be worried," said Finn. "I was feeling what you were feeling when I was your age and started training. You'll be fine. Besides I'm sure there'll be a bit of handicap. So you'll be fine. Also, Master Tu Chi is a pretty kind woman and she's also one of the greatest water mages I've ever known. Just do your best and everything will be fine."

"OK. I will. Thank you, Finn," I said feeling a little less nervous.

"Now then let's get change," said Finn. "Let's not keep Master waiting."

"Right," I said as I took my shirt and got undressed and Finn followed suit. I didn't know how I would fare or how I would do when I would spar with Finn, but I was gonna give it my best. I'm gonna get stronger no matter what and there ain't no one or anything that was gonna stop me. Well... at least I hope nothing will.

Whew! Sorry, it took a while, but that's it! The old woman's name is finally revealed!

I would personally would like to thank Tiffany for helping me come up with a name that fits so well! XD XD XD

Anyhoo, things are gonna get tough for Willy from here on in! How will he fare when he spars with Finn?

Keep watching... or in this case reading and stay tuned!